KUCHING: Sarawak will head into the 2026 Para Malaysian Games (Para SUKMA) with a target of 60 gold medals across 10 sports, although athletes have been reminded that success will also be measured by personal improvement.
Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said while winning gold remained the objective, every athlete should also strive to surpass their previous performances.
“We want every athlete to improve their target and personal record.
“They must raise it by another level, and that itself is an achievement,” she said during the Sarawak contingent’s send-off at Kuching International Airport on Tuesday (Sept 1).
Athletics is expected to spearhead the state’s medal challenge with a target of 30 gold medals, followed by swimming (12), tenpin bowling (five), powerlifting (four), lawn bowls (three), badminton and boccia (two each), while table tennis and chess are aiming for one gold apiece.
Fatimah said the athletes’ first challenge, however, would come even before competition begins, with all competitors required to undergo classification upon arriving in Selangor.
She expressed hope that the classifications conducted in Sarawak would be consistent with those at the Games to avoid athletes being ruled ineligible.
“Our first prayer is for the classification process to go smoothly,” she said.
Fatimah also urged the athletes to remain mentally, physically and emotionally prepared after months of training.
Sarawak will be represented by a 383-member contingent, comprising 172 athletes, 126 officials and 85 support personnel, including four medical officers.
The state will compete in 10 sports — athletics, swimming, badminton, table tennis, tenpin bowling, boccia, lawn bowls, chess, powerlifting and archery.
Of the 172 athletes, 114 are men and 58 women, with Sarawak entered in 237 of the 320 medal events on offer at the Games.
